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Added on the 04/06/2019 19:19:20 - Copyright : Wochit
US lawmakers are back to square one with respect to the passage of the most recent $900 billion pandemic stimulus package. CNN reports the House of Representatives on Thursday failed to secure an increase of direct payments to Americans from $600 to $2,000. The attempt was a response to one of President Donald Trump's surprise demands he made in a tweeted video late on Tuesday. House Democrats tried to quickly pass the bill by a unanimous consent request Thursday morning, but Republicans rejected the move. GOP lawmakers are now in a difficult spot where they will be forced to decide whether or not they will defy the President.
Mark Toner, deputy spokesperson for the US State Department, said on Tuesday that "it's absurd to think that United States was somehow complicit or anyway connected" to Friday's failed coup in Turkey.
The European Union proposes extending tariff-free entry for Ukrainian farm products for a year from June, but with "safeguards" to stop cheaper imports flooding the market at the expense of Europe's own farmers. SOUNDBITE
People queue outside a relief centre in Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture following Monday's powerful earthquake. The 7.5-magnitude quake triggered tsunami waves over a metre high, toppled buildings, caused a major port fire and tore apart roads. IMAGES
People queue for food at a makeshift relief camp after an earthquake killed at least 113 people in China's northwestern Gansu province, and 18 more in neighbouring Qinghai. The shallow tremor on Monday night also damaged thousands of buildings. IMAGES
President Joe Biden exhorts the US Congress to approve urgent military support for Israel and Ukraine, saying the aid would boost US security "for generations." "It is a smart investment that's going to pay dividends for American security for generations. (It'll) help us keep American troops out of harm's way. (It'll) help us build a world that is safer, more peaceful and more prosperous for our children and grandchildren," Biden says. SOUNDBITE